A body is found with neck petechiae, conjunctival haemorrhages, facial congestion and cyanosis, with finger-shaped bruises on either side of the neck. The cause of death is most likely:

• A Ligature strangulation
• B Suicidal hanging
• C Smothering
• D Throttling (manual strangulation) ✓

Explanation

Throttling (manual strangulation) is characterized by finger-tip bruises and crescentic nail-mark abrasions on the neck, facial plethora, cyanosis, and conjunctival petechiae. Ligature strangulation produces a horizontal or downward-inclined groove below the thyroid cartilage. Suicidal hanging leaves an oblique upward groove typically above the thyroid cartilage with a pallid face.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.